FP vs specialty

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Has anyone gone from a family practice type clinic to a specialty? I just started working in a neurology practice about three months ago and I'm very concerned about losing my "basic" nursing skills. There are no procedures or labs done in this office. I have learned a great deal about neurology that I didn't know before but I can't help but wonder if the trade off is worth it. Any suggestions or comments?

I did. It depends where you live. Limiting my skills has led to very few job openings now but then again, we are all just ""packages of skills"' aren't we?
There are not anyjobs for RN's in doctors offices or clinics anymore anyways. They hire medical assistants.

Wow!....and I thought I was cynical! I just finished reading your post in the PHN category, so I looked at your profile to find out a little more about you....(not that it reveals very much!).....I noticed that you're interested in infectious diseases......If you have your MPH, have you considered a job in epidemiology? With more and more antibiotic resistant pathogens evolving out there, it's bound to become a specialty that's in more demand. (after all, got to save those health care dollars for those HMO CEO's.....prevention, prevention, prevention!)

I'm not sure where you are from but when I was in Buffalo, NY and worked for a FP...each office (7 locations) had several RN's as well as LPN's and MA's. Also when I worked in FP in TN (hubby is Military and we move around quite a bit) there were also RN's, LPN's and MA's. I've never worked in a FP that there wasn't several RN's. Now that I'm in a "specialty" there are just LPN's....no RN's or MA's.

Hello all! i am from Rochester NY and as an LPN I love my job in my internal medicine office! I also worried about losing my basic skills, but I have learned sooo much! The RNs that I deal with at at local nursing home where my boss has residents
know that and happily accept orders from me. I May "only" be an LPN but my diagnostic skills and my knowledge of meds, are on the level of a practioner( I am going back to get my Physican Assisstant degree this year!) You need to make the best of the job you have! Stop looking at what you are missing and find opportunities to better yourself through learning there! I admit-I have the best boss and he is always ready and able to teach me things. I accompany him in the rooms to learn different assessment skills and treatment options. Talk to your boss- he may also be willing to do this, since it would save him/her time if you could assess the pts before they get there! If you are an RN, show them you value by organizing pt teaching and by using your advanced assessment skills. Good luck and Happy holidays!

Good for you going back for your PA! I think that's great. I am an LPN and working for three Neurologists. One of them is a great teacher and will go out of his way to find me if he sees something interesting in a patient. The other nurse I work with is also a LPN and has 10 years experience in this field so I've also learned a tremendous amount from her too.

HI Jeri, I work for a hospital owned clinic as an LPN-there own several practices and there are no RN's because of cost-they currently are phasing out LPN's when possible for MOA's and using Rad tech's as nurses. Anything to save a penny. I think nurses's are more valued by private physician offices. Most of the specialists in our area are hiring RN's but not hospital owned clinics which are proliferating in our area.